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The Hot Seat - Johnny O - February 2009

Q. We heard you and an 80-pound sea bass got into a drinking competition and you won! But we have to ask, how did you manage to out drink this mighty fish?

A: I've been drinking since I was in the womb; that's the Irish way. Our lives are one giant training session for the big game. We're like the Olympians of Cirrhosis, without all that sporty crap.

Q. Your writing skills are great, and we all love to read your stories. What got you into the writing side of things? Is there a writer you look up to and why?

A: Honesty is always the best way to write. I learned that by reading Hunter S. Thompson's books. He's a man that didn't sugarcoat situations, and he didn't ask other people for direction. He lived his life in excess, and when other people didn't agree, he just took more acid, or drank more whiskey.

Q. We always see you with a different lady on your arm, what's that story?

A: Here's the God's honest truth; women are crazy. For some reason the crazier women seem to be attracted to me, so they end up on "my arm." I'm trying to take a new path though and find a non-crazy woman that doesn't make me wanna shoot my face off. Keep your fingers crossed, but until then, all you crazy chicks can get in line.

Q. How many magazines have you worked for? Which was your favorite job and why?

A: I've worked for four mags. I'd like to say that Street Trucks was my favorite, only because I got the chance to reach a true audience that appreciated me, but unfortunately I had one single roadblock: stupidity. It comes in many forms, but lack of direction, lack of a true sense of our scene, and lack of pure creativity, all equal one thing: a Travisty.

Q. So what's next for Johnny O?

A: You will see my words in magazines, you will see my pictures in print, and you'll see me at shows, but you just won't see me wearing that "wizard hat" of creativity that I like to think I brought to our scene for a few years. I don't play politics well, and I'm better known for kicking a$$ rather than kissing it.

Q. What's your most memorable experience as an editor?

A: I think we all remember our first cover shot, mine was a silver and blue GMC with a wide angle lens; it pretty much solidified my shooting style for the next decade.

Q. What would you like to be most remembered for?

A: I'd like to think that I have made an impact in our industry providing fun to read columns, great photos, and some stupid antics at shows.

Q. Who do you look up to in the industry?

A: I've always loved Brian McCormick's photos as well as Courtney Hallowell's writing style. They both have mastered the art of connecting with their audience and I can only hope that I reached that pinnacle. I've also admired the people like Mike Alexander, that can think outside of the box when building a truck. Now if he ever finishes one, he can be my hero.

Q. What have you gained from this industry?

A: Fortunately, I've gained a huge group of friends over the years from all over the US. That's the one thing that I wouldn't trade for the world. These jobs come and go, but the people that have shown a genuine love to me are absolutely priceless.

Q: And of course, the plugs?

A: First of all, support everyone in our scene. Buy Mini Truckin' each month, hit up shows, and help a friend with his ride. Add me on myspace at myspace.com/xjohn_oneillx, and remember FTN.